for BAY FISHING (or freshwater) the Hobie Mirage drive (pedal) kayaks are the best thing ever !!!
FOR ALL THE ADVANTAGES MENTIONED ABOVE.
AND TO ME, THE MAIN 2 ATTRIBUTES OF A HOBIE ARE:
1. STRENGTH & DURABILITY OF LEGS COMPLETELY DOMINATES THAT OF ARMS.
2. "HANDS-FREE" ASPECT ALLOWS FOR EASIER AND BETTER FISHING.
for OCEAN FISHING (requires launching/landing thru surf) the Hobies have pros & cons....
the "pros" are all the same as above.
however, surf "LANDING" is the big issue with a Mirage Drive Hobie kayak.
impossible to store rods inside hull. impossible to store large fish inside hull.
and it is best to NOT use pedal drive during surf landing. but the Hobie yaks are ABSOLUTE TANKS to paddle, so it makes landing in surf a challenge. they paddle so slow, waves always catch you from behind during landing, and the threat of rolling is always there.
for med to small surf, it can be managed in a Hobie, but requires more experience and burst paddle strength to quickly get in thru bigger surf.
for frequently tackling larger surf, a typical PADDLE kayak such as an Ocean Kayak Prowler or Extreme, or the Cobra FnD is likely a more capable kayak.
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